Chapter 22 - chapter 19

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Author's POV

The morning sunlight streamed through the windows as Isha's mother, Devika, paced the living room. Vikram, Isha's father, sat calmly on the couch, sipping his tea, but he wasn't oblivious to the weight of her thoughts.

"Vikram, I think you should call them now,"

Devika said firmly. "It's time we inform them of Isha's decision."

Vikram put down his cup, considering her words. "You're right. It's a big decision, and they should hear it from us."

With a small nod of encouragement from Devika, Vikram picked up his phone and dialed the number for Rajmata of Jaipur. After a few rings, the dignified voice of Rajmata answered.

"Namaste, Vikram Ji," she greeted warmly.

"Namaste, Rajmata. I hope I'm not disturbing you," Vikram began, his voice measured and respectful.

"Not at all. Please, tell me, how can I help you?" Rajmata's voice carried its usual poise, but there was an undertone of curiosity.

"I wanted to share some good news," Vikram said, glancing at Devika, who gave him an encouraging nod. "Isha has agreed to the marriage proposal."

There was a brief pause, and then Rajmata's voice returned, laced with delight. "That is wonderful news, Vikram Ji! Isha has said yes?"

"Yes," Vikram confirmed. "And I assure you, this is entirely her choice. We are not pressuring her in any way."

"I'm glad to hear that," Rajmata replied, her tone softening. "It's important to us that this decision is hers alone. Please convey my regards to her."

"Of course, Rajmata," Vikram said.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Rajmata continued, "I think it would be best if we meet today itself. Why don't you and your family join us for lunch at the palace? We can discuss the engagement and wedding dates, and I will ask our Kulpruhit Ji to send his disciples here in the palace to help us finalize everything."

"That sounds perfect," Vikram agreed. "We'll be there."

"Wonderful. Come anytime. We'll be ready to welcome you," Rajmata said before the call ended.

.・..・゜✭・.・✫・゜・..

The grand living area of the Delhi palace exuded an air of regal elegance. The morning light poured through the tall windows, casting soft patterns on the marble floor. Geetanjali, Rajmata of Jaipur, sat gracefully on the embroidered couch, sipping her morning tea. Beside her, Ranvijay Ji, her husband and the patriarch of the family, read the newspaper with a thoughtful expression.

Across the room, Shivansh's parents, Abhimanyu and Meera, along with Chhote papa Abhimaan (Shivansh's uncle) and Chhoti maa Shree (Shivansh's aunt), were engaged in light conversation. The atmosphere was calm, but beneath the surface, everyone carried an unspoken tension, wondering about Isha's decision.

Geetanjali, always the composed matriarch, seemed relaxed, yet her sharp eyes gave away her inner thoughts. She glanced at the clock occasionally, as if waiting for something.

As they continued chatting, the calm was interrupted by the soft ringing of Geetanjali's phone. Everyone paused, their gazes shifting to her. She picked up the phone with her usual grace, her face betraying none of the anticipation she felt.

"Namaste, Vikram Ji," she greeted, her voice calm and neutral.

On the other side, Vikram spoke with measured enthusiasm. "Namaste, Rajmata. I have some good news to share. Isha has agreed to the marriage."

For a moment, Gitanjali Devi's heart swelled with joy, but she kept her voice composed. "That is wonderful news, Vikram Ji. I'm glad to hear it. And you are certain this is her decision? She hasn't been pressured in any way?"

"Absolutely, Rajmata Ji," Vikram assured her. "This is entirely her choice."

"That's excellent," she replied, her tone still poised. "Thank you for letting me know. Let us meet for lunch at the palace today. We can discuss the engagement and wedding dates. I will have our Kulpruhit Ji's disciple come to assist us."

After a few more polite words, the call ended. Gitanjali Devi placed the phone down on the side table and turned to the family, her regal composure now giving way to a small, delighted smile.

"Isha has said yes," she announced.

The room erupted into quiet but unmistakable joy. Abhimanyu looked relieved, Meera clasped her hands together in excitement, and Abhimaan and Shree exchanged smiles. And Abhimanyu and Abhimaan hugged each other and Meera and Shree alao hugged each other.

"This is wonderful news," Ranvijay Ji said, folding his newspaper. "Finally, things are falling into place."

Geetanjali quickly returned to her authoritative demeanor. "We must ensure everything is perfect for lunch today. Meera, call Shivansh and inform him that he must be here by noon. No excuses. Also, call his aunt and share the good news."

"Yes, Maa," Meera replied, already reaching for her phone.

Geetanjali again said "Call Shivansh and tell him he needs to be here for lunch. He must leave whatever he's doing and come home by 1 p.m."

Agreeing, Shivansh's mother took her phone and called him.

"Abhimanyu," Gitanjali Devi continued, turning to her son. "Contact Kulpruhit Ji in Jaipur and ask him to send his disciple here to guide us with the dates. I want the engagement and wedding dates finalized today."

"Of course, Maa," Abhimanyu replied, immediately standing up to make the call.

"Shree will handle the lunch preparations," Geetanjali added. "We will personally cook for our guests. I want the best dishes served, made with love and care."

Meera nodded, clearly excited to help. "I'll join you in the kitchen as soon as I've spoken to Shivansh."

"Good. And Abhimaan, ensure the shagun and a return gift are ready. I also want a special present for Isha. It should be something meaningful and fitting for the future queen of this family," Gitanjali said firmly.

"I'll take care of it," Abhimaan assured her.

With everything in motion, Geetanjali rose gracefully. "I will go to my room with Ranvijay Ji to look through my jewelry collection. I want to select something special for Isha today. And we must also prepare traditional clothes for the ceremony."

As she walked away with her husband, the rest of the family dispersed to carry out her instructions. The palace was suddenly abuzz with activity, everyone working to ensure that the lunch would be nothing short of perfect.

.・..・゜✭・.・✫・゜・..

Vikram put down the phone and turned to Devika, who had been watching him closely. "Rajmata has invited us for lunch at the palace to discuss the wedding plans. Pandit Ji will also be there to fix the dates."

"That's good," Devika said, a trace of relief in her voice.

Arjun, Isha's younger brother, sat silently in a corner, listening to their conversation. Ishika, Isha's best friend, was also seated nearby, quietly absorbing every word.

Vikram glanced toward Ishika. "I think I should call Isha and let her know. She needs to be there, and I don't want her to feel like we're pressuring her."

Before he could pick up the phone, Ishika interrupted, "Uncle, I'm heading to her office anyway. I can tell her about the lunch plan."

Vikram hesitated but nodded. "Alright, but make sure she understands this is her choice. Tell her it's important she joins us."

"I will," Ishika assured him.

Devika added, "Ishika, take a traditional suit for her. She'll need to change before heading to the palace. It wouldn't be appropriate for her to attend in office clothes."

"Good idea," Ishika agreed. She went to Isha's room, picked out a beautiful traditional suit, and then headed out toward the office.

.・..・゜✭・.・✫・゜・..



Shivansh's POV

The call had disrupted my focus entirely. Just minutes earlier, in the middle of the meeting, my phone had buzzed. Seeing maa's name flashed, i had excused himself without hesitation, my professional demeanor momentarily set aside.

Stepping into the corridor, i answered the call. "Yes, Maa?"

"Shiv, Maa just got a call from Isha's family," Maa had said, her voice brimming with an excitement i didn't share. "She's agreed to the marriage."

The words had frozen me in place. "She... what?" I had asked, disbelief creeping into my tone. And i was thinking 'She was adamant against this yesterday. What's changed so suddenly?'

For a second, I didn't respond. My mind raced.

" Shiv--"

" Haa, Maa. " I said after coming back to sense. " Did you ask isha and she said yes without any force, right?"

"I don't know the details, beta," Maa replied. "All I know is that they'll be coming for lunch today to finalize the arrangements. And you can ask everything to her directly, okay. "

I had ended the call with a simple, "Alright, I'll be there," though my mind had been far from settled. Even now, as i made my way back to the conference hall, but my thoughts raced.

What has changed Isha's heart so drastically? I wasn't one to accept mysteries, especially ones that involved my future.

Re-entering the conference hall, I compose my composure, though my mind was far from the discussions at hand. As the room quieted, my voice cut through the air. "The meeting is adjourned. We'll reconvene tomorrow. Everyone, you're dismissed."

The managers and employees filed out, leaving behind me, Dhruv and Aviyansh. The atmosphere was thick with an unspoken tension.

"Shiv, what's going on?" Dhruv asked, his brows furrowed as he tried to study my uncharacteristically unsettled expression.

Leaning against the table, I crossed my arms, jaw tightening. "Isha's family called," I said, my tone calm but weighted. "She agreed to the wedding."

Dhruv's eyes widened in disbelief. "What? Are you serious? She was completely against it just yesterday. What made her change her mind?"

"That's exactly what I intend to find out," I replied, my voice sharp. Then, turning my gaze toward Aviyansh, i asked, "Have you ensured that all the news and photos about Isha have been scrubbed from the media?"

Aviyansh nodded. "Yes, bhai. Everything has been handled. There's nothing left for the media to latch onto."

"Good," I said curtly, though my expression betrayed my lingering doubts. I straightened and made my way toward the door, leaving the room behind. Yet as i walked, my mind remained clouded, replaying maa's words over and over.

I sat in my large cabin of my office, the late morning quiet interrupted only by the faint chirping of birds outside. I leaned back in my chair, my thoughts consumed by the whirlwind of the past 24 hours

Yesterday, Isha's words had been clear: she wouldn't marry me. Her defiance had echoed in my mind all night, replaying her fiery resolve as if it were some cruel melody i couldn't escape.

And yet, this morning, the decision everything seemed to have changed.

What happened last night? I was sure her answer had been a definitive no. Her words had been firm, unwavering. What had changed in such a short span of time?

But even as i said it, my thoughts were spinning. Why had she changed her mind? Did someone force her? Did she regret her decision from last night? Was this some elaborate game or strategy?

Whatever it was, it was unsettled to me. I knew one thing for certain-whatever had happened, i wouldn't let myself be pulled into something against my will. Marriage wasn't something he would take lightly, no matter what anyone else thought.

But then Dadi sa's voice floated in my mind about the marriage, i just shrugged the thought and straightened my posture and started doing my work. For now.

After that I needed to prepare for what would undoubtedly be an eventful lunch.

With this thought i dig myself in the work.



Isha's POV

The soft hum of the computer filled the quiet room as I typed away, my fingers dancing across the keyboard with practiced ease. Work was piling up faster than I could handle, and every email I sent off felt like a small victory against the chaos of the day. But the faint sound of the door creaking open pulled me out of my focus.

I didn't need to look up to know who it was-only one person barged into my cabin like they owned it. Ishika.

But still i look up.

I looked up to see Ishika stepping into the room, her usual confident demeanor softened by looking at me. Without a word, she made her way to the chair opposite me and sat down, casually placing her bag on the table.

I turned back to my paperwork, pretending to focus on it as I started tapping my pen against the desk. "What are you doing here?" I asked, not looking at her.

Ishika leaned back in her chair, not giving me any room to focus. "I'm here because we have to talk," she said, the edge of her voice betraying a bit of impatience.

I let out a soft sigh, trying to ignore the weight of her gaze. "What about?"

She raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a small smirk. "Can't I visit my best friend during the day?"

I sighed. "You're supposed to be at the hospital. What are you doing now? Why aren't you at work?"

Ishika frowned, confused. "Did you forget I'm on my period? When I'm on my period, the hospital gives us all timely leaves to rest. Proper rest is important, you know."

I sighed, rubbing my forehead. "Yeah, I forgot. It just slipped my mind." I said, shaking my head slightly. "But that still doesn't explain what you're doing here." My gaze drifted to the bag she had brought along. "And what's in the bag?"

" Your Clothes," she replied simply, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

I stopped what I was doing and narrowed my eyes, genuinely confused. "Why? Where are we going? And why should I change?"

She hesitated for a second before answering, her voice slightly more serious than before. "We're going to Raghuvanshi Palace for lunch today. You have to change into something nicer."

I froze for a second, trying to process what she said. "Raghuvanshi Palace? Why are we going there?"

Ishika gave me a knowing look, clearly prepared for this reaction. "Because Uncle tells about your decision to his grandmother and his family. His grandmother insisted we come over to fix the wedding and engagement date and all."

My heart skipped a beat at her words. Wedding. Engagement. I could feel my pulse quicken. I swallowed, trying to mask the shock that had immediately washed over me. "Okay..." I managed to say, pushing the knot in my throat down.

Ishika leaned forward, her voice lowering as she gave me that look-the one she always gave when she wanted to get to the heart of something. "Okay, now tell me-why did you suddenly say yes to the wedding? Yesterday, you were saying you couldn't stand him, you didn't want to marry him, and now..." She paused, waiting for me to answer.

The question hung in the air, too heavy to ignore. My heart raced, my thoughts jumbled, and I could feel my face flush as the weight of it all pressed down on me. I couldn't tell her. Not now. Not when everything felt like it was spinning out of control.

"I... I can't explain it right now," I finally said, my voice barely above a whisper. "Just... not yet."

She studied me, trying to gauge if I would say more, but I knew she could see I wasn't going to budge. I could feel her frustration building, but I couldn't let myself break. Not now, not with everything still so raw and unsettled.

Ishika let out a soft huff, though I could see she wasn't satisfied with my answer. Still, she didn't press. She stood up, moving to the window in the cabin but pausing for a moment before looking out. "You'll have to tell me eventually, Isha."

I just nodded, my gaze lingering on the papers before me. The room felt colder now, and I could only think about one thing-about what I had to do next.

As I was still trying to gather myself after Ishika's unexpected questions, the door to my office creaked open. I looked up just in time to see Prisha burst in, her face alight with excitement and a bit of urgency.

"You guys don't know what I'm about to tell you," she said, practically bouncing on her feet as she came over to my desk. I raised an eyebrow, a bit curious despite myself.

"What happened?" Ishika asked, leaning forward with interest. I kept my gaze on Prisha, not quite ready to face anything else that might shake me further.

Prisha didn't waste any time. "So, I was reading articles this morning, and guess what? They were talking about you and Shivansh!" she said, her tone dramatic. I froze.

"What about us? Now? " I asked, my voice carefully neutral, though my heart was pounding in my chest.

Prisha, oblivious to my discomfort, continued with wide-eyed excitement. "Isha, they are talking about yesterday. All the details about your 'secret relationship' and romance," she said, the words almost tumbling out of her mouth. "They were talking about how you guys were seen together, and how suddenly you disappeared. The photos of you two getting into Shivansh's car-"

I could feel a sinking sensation in my stomach. My thoughts immediately jumped to Jeevansh. No one else could've pulled this off. "And then-what happened?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

Prisha didn't seem to notice the tension in the room. "The photos-poof! They vanished, like they were never there. As if someone made them disappear!"

I closed my eyes for a moment, the weight of it all starting to press down on me. I knew exactly who was behind this. Shivansh. He was the only one who could've done something like this, vanishing from the public eye with such ease. He was a master at controlling the narrative. A self-conscious, private person who wouldn't want the world to know about his personal life. Of course, he would've made sure those photos never saw the light of day.

I took a deep breath, deciding it was time to stop pretending. I couldn't avoid the truth anymore. "Prisha," I said quietly, locking eyes with her. "I said yes for the wedding."

She blinked, clearly not expecting that. "What? You-" Her voice trailed off in shock.

"I didn't have a choice," I continued, trying to keep my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me. "And... they're waiting for us at Raghuvanshi Palace for lunch. His grandmother insisted we come."

Prisha looked at me for a long moment, the realization sinking in. I could see her trying to piece everything together-the articles, the photos, and now this sudden twist. But I couldn't tell her everything-not yet. Not until I figured out what this all meant.

"Wow," she said, finally, her voice soft. "I didn't expect that. You've got a lot on your plate, Isha."

I nodded, feeling the weight of the decision pressing down on me. Shivansh's world was spinning faster than I ever expected, and now I was tangled in it, more deeply than I could have ever imagined.

Ishika's voice broke through my thoughts. "Okay, now it's 12:30. You need to go and change, Isha. We have to leave for Raghuvanshi Palace soon," she said, her tone not leaving room for argument.

I nodded, though my mind was still racing. I glanced at Prisha, who was still standing by the door, arms crossed as she watched us.

"Prisha, you're coming with us, right?" I asked, a bit uncertain, hoping for some company in what felt like a whirlwind of emotions.

But Prisha shook her head, a small, reassuring smile on her lips. "No, you both go. I'll handle things here at the office. Don't worry about it," she said, her tone light but firm. "You just go and change. I'll catch up later and want to hear everything."

I nodded, grateful for her support. "Thanks, Prisha," I said, before turning to walk towards my room which is in the cabin.

The room felt oddly quiet as I closed the door behind me, taking a deep breath. The weight of the day had settled into my shoulders, but I couldn't afford to linger in that space. Not now. I quickly changed into the beautiful traditional suit Ishika had chosen for the occasion. The fabric felt soft against my skin, and when I looked in the mirror, I couldn't deny that I did look beautiful. It wasn't just the clothes-it was the way they made me feel, sweet and confident, even though my mind was far from calm.

I shook off the lingering uncertainty and left my cabin, stepping out into the cabin. Ishika was waiting for me, already by the door, her eyes lighting up when she saw me.

"You look amazing," she said, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

"Thanks," I replied, offering her a small smile.

Together, we made our way to the car, my thoughts still whirling. I couldn't shake the feeling that today would change everything.

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